Tina's Pic Story - Parisian Garden 'G'

Garden No 1...par Patti

Garden 2...by Patti

Tina's Pic Story arrives this week, and she has given us our assignment, offer pictures to match the theme, which is the letter 'G'. Given that, how about gardens? And better yet, how about in Paris?

Garden 3...by Patti

Garden 4...par Patti

Patti and Allegra have been to Paris twice, and on the second trip in the early spring of 2005, the blooms were beginning. Patti is not sure where these gardens were in the City of Light - no matter, the flowers are beautiful - and the theme has been met!

Ruby Tuesday - Brigantine ruby

Ruby Tuesday 2 is back, and we follow the ever simple rule - red, a lot or a little. Today it is the latter...

This is a very early and very rare color print (Kodachrome?) in the family archives, my grandfather in front of the Sea Gull Cottages on the beach in Brigantine New Jersey in maybe 1953 or 54. Not much red apart from the bathing suit to each of the cottage doors. And perhaps a hint of a sunburn ruby on his skin - although the fading and sepia sand may mask it a bit...see ruby iterations at RT2!

Whimsical Windows - Houdini at the opera

The master illusionist looks on. Acrylic by Greg Karas

Toby's fun weekly meme, Whimsical Windows/Delirious Doors, is back. We look for portals of whimsy and/or otherwise in our travels...today, I return to the old Sterling Opera House in nearby Derby, where the sidewalk level windows are now full of portraits of artists who graced the stage from 1889-1945. This window has the image of the magician and stunt performer with the stage name Harry Houdini, the dapper artist wearing a pair of handcuffs. 

At sidewalk level, there is so much glare that it nearly obscures the performer (although in character he was an illusionist too :)

The artist is Greg Karas of Ansonia, and Patti wrote of this in her newspaper blog - the old and someday to be restored entertainment venue offers a cool exhibit to the lucky patrons who happen to be strolling by...

Shadow Shot Sunday - Independence Day Doings

The preliminary task is setting the table with paper, plastic and condiments

Cam cooks burgers ant bratwurst over charcoal

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 is back, and we persevere in our shadowy quest. Today reverts back three days to 4 July, to celebrate our day of Independence in the US for the 236th time. Fireworks displays are common, and we saw these in downtown Derby the night before. Naturally with many people off work on this holiday, families dining together outdoors is very common as well - with a side order of sun and shadow...

Dinner is being served

Friends and family share in the shadow and shade

The charcoal flame has an orange glow, the humidity and high clouds not enough to douse the shadowy effects. Family and friend celebrate living in a free land together...see shadows from free people all over at the fun SSS2!

Tina's WW - Happy Birthday, Humphrey

One year, a cat named Sir Humphrey celebrated his birthday with cake and cat food. I think that the humans at least had a great time, the celebrant less so...see Tina's WW!